How deep is their love? The Franco-US relationship under the microscope

Euronews

After fractious French-US relations of a decade ago over the Iraq war, is this “love-in” between Hollande and Obama for real?

“Well, in short, French-American relations are at their best in a long time. I spoke to a senior French diplomat here who told me that the French are now feeling the real friendship, not only the partnership. They’re on the same page politically on all major issues, they share the same domestic ambitions, and Presidents Hollande and Obama have just hit it off from day one,” says euronews’ man in Washington Stefan Grobe.

Alasdair Sandford, euronews:

“And the French president’s visit came to an end in California among technology tycoons in Silicon Valley. What was his motivation for going there?”

Stefan Grobe:

“Both countries have long worked very closely on science and technology, both are leading the global fight against AIDS, for example. So, there is a belief in France and America that innovation is at the core of human activity. And historically both countries see themselves as trailblazers for the advancement of the people around the world. So, I think, President Hollande’s visit to Silicon Valley reflects that.”